Chapter 117: If This is a CPU, Then It's Already Begun - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 117: If This is a CPU, Then It's Already Begun "Not sincere enough?" Upon hearing Xu Shi say this, Shen Qin's expression grew darker. "...We 'Forgotten Ones' are not like you; we really don't have much to offer." After a moment of silence, she almost gritted her teeth as she spoke, "This is already everything we can give... or are you saying, Chairman Xu, that you want us to show our sincerity in some other way?" "Is it really everything?" Xu Shi's expression became slightly more serious, as he looked at her indifferently and said, "Take this handgun for example. You 'Forgotten Ones' have been around for so many years, and you've only ever used this one type of weapon?" "...Naturally, that's not the case." Shen Qin wasn't naive and quickly understood his meaning. "We do have other similar weapons, but it's not as if we could bring all of them here. If it's just about this, we can bring more samples." "What do I need so many samples for?" Xu Shi looked at her with a half-smile, "What I want are the related research and development data." "This includes pharmaceuticals as well... Of course, this isn't exactly our 'Serpent Ring's' field of expertise. When the time comes, you may need to discuss this with Chairman Xie in detail." He was indeed interested in these things. But if they're just finished products, they hold no meaning for him. That doesn't mean to say 'Serpent Ring' can't develop such things; with Jiang Cheng Cheng around, how could we be any worse than you... But passing up ready-made resources would be a waste, wouldn't it? He certainly can't have his beloved general, ah no, beloved darling doing everything personally. That would just tire her out, wouldn't it? Moreover, it must be said that these development materials are the very foundation supporting the 'Forgotten Ones' community, or in other words, it's their greatest asset. "This includes your techniques for extracting 'Rust Mist' ore. You must have your unique methods, and I'm very interested. I'd love to learn a thing or two." Mining is a skilled trade, after all. Hearing this, Shen Qin's expression froze. She hadn't expected Xu Shi's ambitions to be this grand, opening with such audacious demands during the first round of negotiations. If the people from Night Sin City were truly to take these technologies and data, it would effectively strip the 'Forgotten Ones' to nothing. Any collaboration between the two would then be a one-off transaction, making future adjustments difficult and laborious. "These conditions... I can't make a decision immediately." From the bottom of her heart, she couldn't accept these terms, and she immediately tried to negotiate. "At the very least, it should be information-sharing... Otherwise, it's far too unfair to us." "Fair? Miss Nan, are you joking?" Xu Shi sneered, "It's you, the 'Forgotten Ones,' seeking aid from Night Sin City. Surely, you didn't naively believe we were discussing a partnership?" "If it's just about a few chunks of ore, a few vials of medicine, and a few broken guns... I'm struggling to see your sincerity. Truly, if that's the case, there's no need for negotiation between us." "But according to your request, it seems to me there's equally no need for negotiation." Shen Qin really couldn't hold it in anymore and retorted in a fit of pique. "Then let's not talk." Xu Shi spread his hands, "The door is over there. Just take your things and leave." He secretly mocked in his heart. This young lady still lacks experience, can't even withstand this level of pressure? But this was exactly the effect he wanted. If putting pressure on the 'Forgotten Ones' is his goal, then from the moment the public opinion was manufactured, this CPU narrative has already begun. But just that wasn't enough, was it? Clearly not enough to make Shen Qin break. After all, his goal wasn't just the value of the 'Forgotten Ones'; Shen Qin herself was equally significant to him. Shen Qin ignored him and looked towards the others. Unfortunately, the others didn't offer any opinions, and instead seemed to be deep in thought, likely weighing what more could be extracted from the 'Forgotten Ones.' Stop looking, young girl; everyone here is just as ruthless. If any of the people here really had a good heart and intended to welcome them out of kindness, they would have stopped their actions from the very start. In the minds of the remaining few, similar thoughts roamed. It's just that Xu Shi voiced everything upfront, so they remained silent. Xu Shi didn't mind; after all, the conflict between him and Shen Qin was irreconcilable. A friendly face wouldn't gain him anything, so he might as well play the villain openly. After failing to find help, Shen Qin was left with nothing but frustration, humiliation, and despair. She understood these truths herself but, given the gravity of the situation, had to make every possible effort to negotiate. But the truth is, because the 'Forgotten Ones' are weak, they can only swallow these injustices whole. She could see that, when it looked like there were seven factions, Xu Shi seemed to hold the most sway. Compared to him, indeed, she was lacking in weight. Under such immense pressure, she felt even a bit dizzy. "So, Miss Nan? Have you made a decision?" Xu Shi didn't give her much time to think and pressed her for a decision. "...We'll discuss it further. Chairman Xu's points are valid." Song Chen tactfully intervened, easing Shen Qin from the situation. "Alright then, shall I give you another day?" Xu Shi nodded generously, "Once you've decided, we can talk again." Anyway, it didn't matter to him; another ten days would be the same. If these people truly had another option, would they have come humbly seeking Night Sin City? But he also realized that the leadership among these three 'Forgotten Ones' was far from united. That Zhao Yuan, no, Zhang Shan, was brainless. The other two were at least somewhat competent. But Li Si, or rather, Song Chen, was definitely a sly fox, who wouldn't act unless assured of success. When something happened, he'd push Shen Qin to the forefront while waiting to act based on the situation. And this guy was definitely a fence-sitter, likely not as concerned with securing benefits for the 'Forgotten Ones' as with his own comfort. Hmm... This could be useful information, right? As long as such a person exists, what he wants to accomplish will be much simpler. "...Alright, we'll go back and discuss it further." Shen Qin had no mind to think any further. This meeting was one she wished to leave as soon as possible. After a brief farewell, she prepared to leave. But the major problem was, no matter how much she discussed, she seemed unable to find a better solution. This deepened her despair even further. At this moment, she couldn't help but wonder. Amidst all this, her own strength, compared to her brother, was indeed greater. Yet even so, she found herself unable to stand as an equal to Xu Shi, without any chance of dialogue on even terms. So it makes one wonder, how did her brother manage to provoke someone like this? Or perhaps, with Shen He’s previous strength, he should never have stirred the pot with him? It seemed unintentionally, seeds of doubt had already been silently sown. (End of Chapter)